Reading Preview: James Ellroy/Harold Washington Library Center

The Demon Dog comes to Chicago to pimp his new work, “Blood’s a Rover, ” the third book in his “Underworld USA” trilogy, on shelves this week. Haven’t read it yet, but reports indicate it’s a look at American crime and political scandal in the late sixties and early seventies, which makes sense in the timeline of Ellroy’s trilogy. The popular crime novelist—whose best known work includes “L.A. Confidential,” “White Jazz” and “The Black Dahlia”—does noir with blunt force, and he’s quick to remind everyone he’s the master of the genre. Ellroy’s public persona is just as entertaining as his written work, so any appearances the man makes shouldn’t be missed. (Tom Lynch)

James Ellroy discusses his work September 29 at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State, (312)747-4300, at 6pm.